Golf practice device



May 22, 1928. 1,670,290

J. ALDRICH GOLF PRACTICE DEVICE Filed NOV. 22, 1927 115w war/Ca B; 2mm

Patented May 22, 1928.

PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES ALDRICH, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

GOLF PRACTICE DEVICE.

Application filed November 22, 1927. Serial No. 235,032.

My invention relates to improvements in a golf practicing device, wherein the device is provided for use by golfers in the practice of the well known game of golf.

The purpose of this device is to provide a means whereby golfers may practice without employing real golf balls, and wherein the device includes a dummy golf ball which after being driven, will automatically return to its driving support.

The main object of my invention is to provide the golf ball which may be automatically returned to the golfer after the same has been driven the distance away. Other very novel objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent as the same is better understood from the specification and claims to follow.

In the drawing Figure 1 represents a sectional view thru the base of the preferred form of my invention, the same disclosing means whereby the dunimy golf ball may be automatically recovere Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the base, the same showing the dummy golf ball extendded from its supported position thereon, an

Fig. 3 represents a modified form of my invention in partial sectional view, disclosing a dummy golf ball with the automatic retractile means contained therein.

Now for a more detail description of my improved golf practicing device, I. refer to the drawings in which like numerals designate like parts. The preferred embodiment of my invention includes preferably a circular base 1, the top surface of which inclines toward its center point.

A substantially enlarged opening 2 is formed inwardly from the bottom surface of the base at substantially the central portion thereof. At opposed sides of this opening, channels are formed inwardly from the outer edge of the opening, in which the respective end portions of a rotatable shaft 3 are disposed.

A cover plate 4 of a shape in contour to the configuration of the opening, is adapted for flush relation with the bottom surface of the base and in disposition over the opening 2. The inner side of this plate is provided with a pair of spaced upstanding members 5, adapted to engage in'the opposed channels in the side of the opening, and upon which the respective ends of the shaft 3 are supported. One of said upstanding members is provided with a projecting apertured lug 6, while a coiled spring 7 convoluted around the portion of the shaft 3 adjacent the lug, at one end portion thereof secured to said lug.

The opposite end of the spring is secured to the shaft 3. As is shown in the drawing, the shaft 3 is adapted to extend through the apertured lug 6, whereby the shaft 3 may be removed from the opening 2, when the cover 4 is displaced from its position over the opening.

' Suitable securing means 8 may be employed for securing the plate in the space. In conjunction with the preferred embodiment of my invention, I employ a dummy golf ball 9 which is preferably of solid rubber, formed with an axial bore therethrough. Through this bore one end portion of a flexible strand 10 is adapted to pass, while the end portion of which projects from the opposite end of the bore, and in which a knot 11 is formed.

Between this knot 11 and the adjacent portion of the ball, ametallic washer 12 is disposed to prevent the knot from passing into the bore of the ball. In a normal position,- the ball is adapted to rest upon the apex portion of the base, wherein an opening 13 communicates the interior of the opening 2 with the exterior, and also provides a seat for the ball. The remaining portion of the flexible strand 10 passes through this opening, and is convoluted around the shaft 3, in a manner clearly shown in Fig. 1.

It will thus be seen that when the person practicing the game of golf drives the ball 9 from its position upon the base. the flexible strand 10 will be paid from the shaft 3 against the tension of the coiled spring 7. However. when the force of the stroke has been spent. the ball by reason of the spring tension. will return to its supported position upon the apex of the base 1.

In Fig. 3, of the drawing, a modified form of my invention is illustrated wherein the hollow ball 14 is provided with an inner spherical wall 15 in spaced relation to the outer wall. The intermediate space between the wall is wound with rubber strands in the usual manner of constructing golf balls. Ahushing 16 having each end of its bore flared, is threaded at one end thereof. The bushing is adapted to be embedded in openings formed through the ball, communicating the exterior with the interior of the wall 15. This bushing is adapted to be threaded into the inner spherical wall, in a manner clearly shown in Fig. 3.

A shaft 17 has its end portions journaled in opposed portions of the inner wall, while a coiled spring 18 has one of its ends secured to the shaft, while its opposite end is attached to the inner side of the inner wall. A flexible strand 19 has its major portion wound on the shaft 17. and is payable through the bore in the bushing 16. The free end of this flexible strand is secured to the eye portion 20 of a substantially elongated stake 21.

It is obvious that in the employing of the modified form of my invention, when the stake has been securely driven into the ground, the ball will set. beside the stake, ready for the stroke of the person practicing. \Vhen the ball has been driven, the strand is paid from the shaft 17 against the tension of the coiled spring 18.

It will also be seen that when the force of the stroke has been spent, the coiled spring 18 will rewind the strand upon the shaft 17, causing the return of the ball to a position adjacent the space.

It will be seen that I have provided a novel golf practicing device, which may be employed by persons wishing to improve their game, or by beginners wishing to acquire a form for driving the ball.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. In a golf practicing device, a base, said base being substantially of inverted conical shape, the bottom of said base being formed with a pocket immediately under the apex portion thereof, the apex of said base being formed with an opening communicating with the pocket, a tensional means within said pocket, a ball, a flexible strand connect ed at one end to the ball and at its opposite end to the tensional means, said tensional means adapted to normally maintain the ball retracted and supported upon the base.

2. In a golf practicing device, a base, said base being substantially of inverted conical shape, the bottom of said base being formed with a pocket immediately under the apex portion thereof, the apex of said base being formed with an opening communicating with the pocket, a tensional means within said pocket. :1 ball, a flexible strand connected at one end to the ball and at its opposite end to the tensional means, said tensional means adapted to normally maintain the ball retracted and supported upon the base, said means including a shaft having its ends journaled in the wall of the pocket, and a spring connected between the shaft. and the wall of the pocket.

3. In a golf practicing device, a base, said base being substantially of inverted conical shape, the bottom of said base being formed with a pocket immediately under the apex portion thereof, the apex of said base being formed with an opening communicating with the pocket. a tensional means within said pocket, a ball, a flexible strand connected at one end to the ball and at its opposite end to the tensional means, said tensional means adapted to normally maintain the ball retracted and supported upon the base, said means including a shaft having its ends journaled in the wall of the pocket, a spring connected between the shaft and the wall of the pocket, and a cover plate for closing said pocket at the bottom side of the base.

4. In a golf practicing device, a base, said base being substantially of inverted conical shape, the bottom of said base being formed with a pocket immediately under the apex portion thereof, the apex of said base being formed with an opening communicating with the pocket, a tensional means within said pocket, a ball, a flexible strand connected at one end to the ball and at its opposite end to the tensional means, said tensional means adapted to normally maintain the ball retracted and supported upon the base, said means including a shaft having its ends journaled in the wall of the pocket, :1. spring connected within the shaft and the wall of the pocket, said cover plate being )rovided with means for supporting said sha t within the pocket.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

JAMES ALDRICH. 

